The emotional event — which was attended by Kim’s mother Kris Jenner, as well as her sisters Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian — would have marked Kardashian West’s first public appearance since the robbery, and another insider tells PEOPLE the star had been truly looking forward to it.

“Last night was a huge deal for her returning to the spotlight,” says the source. “She had been so excited about attending the ball with her mom and sisters, but as soon as she landed, she turned right back around to be by Kanye’s side. She had to go be with him as soon as possible.”

Of the couple’s dynamics, a third source tells PEOPLE that West “has always treated Kim like he’s her queen,” and that for her part, Kardashian West is “really good about sort of bowing down to him and telling him what he wants to hear” — but that doesn’t mean she agrees with his often outlandish behavior.

“She definitely rolls her eyes when he goes into his mode or rants,” says the source. “She’s also very protective of him, but he can be exhausting.”